Apple launched the iPhone 16 series during its “Glowtime” event in September and made the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models available to order starting September 20.
The iPhone 16 series features Apple’s new AI-based suite, Apple Intelligence, as a main feature. The newest models are undoubtedly the most productive iPhones yet, with next-generation processors and key hardware upgrades, adding larger presentations for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Among other updates, the popular iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus incorporate an older Pro style feature, the Action button, and all four iPhone 16 styles get a new camera button that allows for a variety of photo and video customization features through touch gestures. Formation
Matching the lineups of recent previous generations, the iPhone 16 series includes four models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Those hoping for a return of an iPhone “Mini” model were out of luck, as Apple discontinued its Mini lineup, starting with the iPhone 14 series.
Likewise, there’s no iPhone 16 “Ultra” model with extended upgrades over the iPhone 16 Pro Max. While it’s an often rumored model, it wasn’t predicted to be released this time around.
Apple released the iPhone 16 lineup on September 20. All four iPhone 16 models are available to order online or in stores from Apple, Best Buy, and carriers like Verizon and AT&T.
Among other notable offerings, Verizon, AT
The iPhone 16 lineup is priced the same as the iPhone 15 generation at launch.
The base iPhone 16 models follow the camera specifications of their iPhone 15 predecessors with 48MP main and 12MP ultra-wide cameras, while the iPhone 16 Pro models have 48MP main, ultra-wide cameras 48 MP and 12 MP 5x zoom.
The biggest hardware replacement Apple has made to the iPhone 16 series, upgrading the iPhone 16 Pro’s 3x zoom camera (as on the iPhone 15 Pro) to the same 5x zoom as the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Beyond that, Apple has made the same series of tweaks and updates to the iPhone 16 series cameras that may not necessarily be photo-quality if you’re used to the iPhone’s recent photo quality. As usual, changes in photo quality will be more noticeable if you are coming from older iPhone models, such as the iPhone 12 and earlier.
For the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, Apple gave the ultrawide camera autofocus for better focus, and it newly supports macro photography. The new ultrawide sensor also captures 2.6 times more light for higher-quality photos and improves quality in low-light conditions in our testing.
Base iPhone 16 models also capture space video and space photo for viewing with Apple’s Vision Pro headphones. The company has also made progress on unwanted noise, such as wind, for video recordings on base iPhone 16 models.
The iPhone 16 Pro models got exclusive improvements, adding a second-generation sensor for the main camera that eliminates shutter lag to help capture moving subjects, such as children, pets, floating clothing and hair, etc.
Apple added 4K video recording at 120 frames per second (fps), allowing for slow-motion recording in 4K resolution. Using four “studio-quality” microphones, iPhone 16 Pro models can also capture spatial audio on devices like AirPods and Vision Pro. Apple has also included home entertainment systems as devices capable of playing Spatial Audio.
All 4 iPhone 16 models run on Apple’s newest A18 processor, yet the iPhone 16 Pro models run on the more tough A18 Pro variant.
When analyzing the functionality of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models for apps and games, we saw fast and elegant functionality in all 4 models that reflect the phones’ next-generation processors, with expected benchmark gaps between the fundamental and the Pro . models.
As we noted in our iPhone 16 review, the A18 chip in the new base models outperforms the older two-generation A16 Bionic chip in the base iPhone 15. The iPhone 16 Pro models show little difference from the iPhone 15 Pro in daily use. Still, the newer models’ higher benchmark scores suggest that, over time, they could particularly outperform the previous generation as AI features become more demanding.
Apple’s new AI suite, Apple Intelligence, debuted its first public version on the iPhone 16 series with iOS 18. 1 in October. Apple has since released more Apple Intelligence with iOS 18. 2.
The iPhone 15 Pro models are the only other iPhones that Apple Intelligence. The software compatibility of base iPhone 16 models is a major point of difference from year to year, as we noted in our iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 guide.
Current Apple Intelligence features since iOS 18. 2 come with a new Writing Tools feature that lets you write emails and documents, advanced search and editing features in the Photos app, and full summaries of emails, articles, notes, and notifications.
Apple also integrated ChatGPT into Siri in iOS 18.2 to answer questions, and you can now type queries to Siri. Siri can also recognize and act on what you see on the screen, per your request. For example, if someone sends you a song name in a message, you can ask Siri to “play that,” and your phone will start playing the song without you having to head to the music app and search for the song manually. Another example includes sending a photo that’s on your screen to a contact by asking, “Siri, send this photo to [contact name],” which saves a screen taps.
In Photos, the new Clean Up feature automatically removes items or subjects that you might need to remove from your photos. You can also manually use elements and themes.
Apple also brought Genmoji, which will let you create AI-generated emojis based on your activations if you can’t find one that fits your desires on the iPhone keyboard. You can also create AI-generated photos of almost anything, even other people in your photos, with the new Playground app enabled.
In our testing of the iOS 18.2 version of Apple Intelligence, we find the suite promising but needing refinement overall. While iOS 18.2 introduced several new Apple Intelligence features, the Photos app could use a more comprehensive set of AI features to match the Google Photos app.
Apple claimed a “big boost in battery life” for the base iPhone 16 models, but our battery testing showed that both new base models underperformed the base iPhone 15 models.
On the other hand, we can corroborate Apple’s claim that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the “most productive iPhone battery life ever” because it achieved the best result observed to date, making it the longest-lasting phone battery on iOS or Android. The iPhone 16 Pro also showed really extensive year-over-year improvement in our tests.
For the first time since the iPhone 12 series in 2020, Apple has changed the display size in its iPhones, but only for the iPhone 16 Pro models.
The iPhone Pro display grew to 6. 3 inches from the iPhone 15 Pro’s 6. 1 inches, and the iPhone Pro Max’s display grew to 6. 9 inches from the iPhone Pro Max’s 6. 7 inches.
No upgrades were made on the brightness the iPhone 16 series can achieve (2000 nits), but they can go to a new low in dimness at 1 nit. As a parent putting babies and toddlers down for bed, this is a great addition. Or, it could make it more comfortable to check something on your phone right before closing your eyes, like whether you set the alarm.
Apple also updated the iPhone 16 series with its second-generation Ceramic Shield glass, which the company says is 50% more powerful than the first-generation included with the iPhone 12. Apple also boasts that it’s twice as durable and tough as “any other. “other telephone crystals. “
The base iPhone 16 models don’t yet have Apple’s ProMotion presentations with a 120Hz refresh rate and continue to run at a replaced 60Hz rate. There’s nothing inherent in 60Hz presentations, but we’d expect a superior refresh rate that delivers an ultra-smooth experience. animations and a premium experience on phones starting at $800.
The base iPhone 16 models gained a revamped oval camera design with vertically aligned cameras reminiscent of the iPhone X/XS series, while the iPhone 16 Pro kept the same triple-camera design year after year.
Apple said the iPhone 16 Pro models have the thinnest bezels “of any product” it has released. However, due to the new screen sizes, the iPhone 16 Pro models are larger and heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro.
The base iPhone 16 models continue to feature an aluminum frame, while the iPhone 16 Pro models carry over the titanium frame introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro generation. All four iPhone 16 models have the softer contoured edges Apple introduced with the iPhone 15 generation.
The base iPhone 16 models come in new color options, adding ultramarine (a type of blue), teal, pink, white, and black. iPhone 16 Pro models are available in Black, White, Natural, and Desert Titanium color options. For more information, check out our full iPhone 16 color guide.
Apple has brought a new camera button on all 4 iPhone 16 models. It is a touch transfer with haptic feedback that registers touches and gestures, and various combinations of presses, taps and swipes enable various functions.
Across the iPhone 16 range, pressing the camera button as you would any button opens the camera app and pressing it back takes a photo. Pressing and holding the button starts video recording. Pressing the button in the Camera app displays the zoomArray, and pressing twice gently brings up finer s, such as frame intensity and exposure.
On iPhone 16 Pro models, the camera button allows you to transfer between camera lenses and photographic styles.
Apple also replaced the iconic silent transfer on the base iPhone 16 with the action button that previously came with the iPhone 15 Pro models. Starting with the iPhone 16, it looks like we can say goodbye to the silent transfer that was provided on the first iPhone in 2007.
Apple advanced the usefulness of the action button by adding it for third-party apps. For example, you can use the Action button to lock and unlock a car with the FordPass app. The Action button also offers the same old functions, such as turning Focus mode on or off, opening the camera, turning the flashlight on or off, starting or preventing a voice memo, opening the Magnifier app, opening the Translate app, turning on a shortcut in the Shortcuts app or temporarily access an accessibility feature.
As with most new iPhone releases, the notable innovations are felt more strongly the older the current style. For example, if you’re upgrading from an iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 at most may not offer a particularly different experience.
However, this traditional research changes a bit with the arrival of Apple Intelligence and a new question arises: is it worth buying an iPhone 16 to start using Apple’s new artificial intelligence features? To be clear, those who own an iPhone 15 Pro style don’t want to upgrade just to use Apple’s AI, as those high-end styles are the only previous iPhones with Apple Intelligence. Check out our iPhone 16 upgrade advisor to find out who would get the most benefits.
In our testing of the iPhone 16 generation, the devices performed excellently, as always, and are some of the most productive phones you can buy. However, we can’t say that it’s worth upgrading from a recent iPhone to the iPhone 16 series just for the first versions of Apple’s AI features. Apple Intelligence, on the other hand, will be one of the considerations. Read our full review of the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro for a more in-depth evaluation.
If you can order an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, it’s worth equipping your phone with a reliable case to ensure its longevity. Check out our guides on the best iPhone 16 cases or the best iPhone 16 Pro cases for the best approved features.
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